I respect everyone's opinion, but I would ask that this proposal be judged on its merits not on labels attached to it. If you are opposed to Signature Park merely because it can be labeled a "tax increase", and those are unpopular now, I think that would be a mistake. It is either good for Novi - or it is not. If it is good for Novi in the long run the fact that it, technically, raises taxes does not magically transform it into something that is bad for Novi. Remember, we're talking about 1/2 of a mil. That's $75 a year for a home valued at 300,000. Let's put that into perspective. It's less than $1.50 per week. Surely $75 a year means something different to everyone. I get that. I have 5 kids, 3 in college, an aging parent and a mortgage on a house that has lost value just like yours. Not to mention a business that is trying to sustain itself during these trying times. But it's the features and benefits of what that $1.44 per week investment will return in the future that makes this almost a no-brainer.

There is one other very important aspect to the Signature Park; the preservation of 60 acres of open green space. If we are truly stewards of the future of our environment this is an opportunity, in all likelihood the last opportunity, to preserve 60 contiguous acres of green space in the City of Novi. Surely the preservation of this much open green space for future generations is worth $1.44 a week. It's worth it to me, regardless of what label is slapped on it: Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Liberal, Environmentalist or Tax Raiser. This is good for Novi, that's all I am concerned about.

Please take the time to understand what this asset will bring to the community and visit www.novisignaturepark.com

There's something for everyone in this park and I hope you'll join me and Vote YES on May 5th.

Brian Burke
Novi City Council